Ch. 1001..1010

Chapter 1001 Try to Be Nice

Triston sensed Audrey's reluctance and sighed silently to himself. "Whose fault is it? Mine, of course. I've always been spoiling her, and there's no turning back now," he thought.

Approaching her with a pleasing smile, he said, "Ms. Swann, give me a chance to take you home, okay?"

Though reluctant, Audrey knew that Triston's offer was the most practical in the current situation. If she didn't take this opportunity, she'd regret it later. "Okay, let's go," she said.

Triston's plan worked. He happily drove Audrey to her apartment. However, he didn't continue to pester her. He was concerned that pushing too hard might backfire.

As Triston drove away, Audrey felt relieved. She didn't know what she would have done if he had continued to pester her.

Exhausted, she lay on the sofa in her apartment. Before she could rest, her phone rang insistently. It was Kim's special ringtone, designed to ensure she never missed his calls, even if her phone was on silent mode.

Sighing in resignation, she answered the call. Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

"Why did it take you so long? Dating a man in secret, perhaps?" Kim teased.

Rolling her eyes, Audrey retorted, "You can ask the assistant. How would you not know if I had a date? Spit it out, or I'll hang up."

She had barely arrived home when Kim called, which meant her assistant had informed him. Otherwise, Kim couldn't have known this.

Kim, undeterred by the failed jest, teased, "I just wanted to know you better! As for Mr. Lambert.." Audrey interrupted, "Don't mention him, or I'll hang up."

"Alright, no talk about him. Let's talk business. There's a dinner tomorrow night. Will you accompany me?"

Given Audrey's status in the industry, she rarely needed to socialize. Moreover, Kim would help her decline as many invitations as possible. Since he brought it up, it meant pressure from higher-ups, leaving him with no choice but to ask her for help.

Not wanting to put Kim in a difficult position, Audrey agreed, "Okay, come pick me up tomorrow."

Upon her swift agreement, Kim promptly hung up, urging her to rest well.

The next evening, precisely at 8 o'clock, Kim arrived at Audrey's apartment building in his car. Ten minutes later, Audrey emerged in a light green dress. Her makeup skills surpassed those of an average makeup artist, often doing her own makeup for such events.

Seeing her, Kim couldn't help but compliment, "You look stunning."

Audrey gave him a playful glance and joked, "You just realized that today?"

Having known Audrey for many years, Kim was well aware of her extraordinary beauty. While the entertainment industry had no shortage of beautiful women, few combined a striking appearance with exceptional grace. Audrey was one of them, exuding an innate air of elegance due to her aristocratic upbringing.

Assisting Audrey into the car, Kim reminded her, 'Tonight's attendees are all big shots. Try to be nice."

Audrey nodded and replied, "I'll do my best."

Chapter 1002 Someone's Arrogance

Audrey didn't expect herself to break her promise shortly after entering the venue.

Once inside, Kim led Audrey to the crowd and introduced her. Normally, such events would feature celebrities to elevate their status. The more powerful the guests were, the more famous the celebrities who would attend. Today, a big-name celebrity like Audrey indicated the distinguished nature of the evening's attendees.

Kim, trying to maintain a smile, was taken aback when a middle-aged man suddenly spoke out. "Miss Swann, long time no see."

Audrey instinctively turned to the speaker and, upon seeing his face, her expression darkened. "It's you!"

Kim was surprised to learn that Audrey knew one of their boss's esteemed guests for the evening. However, seeing her expression, he felt uneasy, sensing that something was amiss. The middle-aged man gazed at Audrey with a sinister smile. "Can't believe that you still remember me, Miss Swann. What a coincidence!"

The host immediately put on a smile. "I didn't you to have such a connection with Miss Swann. Miss Swann, please come and sit next to Mr. Black."

Audrey was unwilling to do that, as she didn't want to get involved with Liam Black. Sensing her displeasure, Kim silently pleaded with her. Out of respect for Kim, she took a seat next to Liam.

As Audrey sat down, Liam's smile became even more menacing. The crowd urged Audrey to raise a toast to Liam, a customary gesture at such events, and she drank a little. Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

Audrey and Liam had met while Audrey was out and about. Liam took an interest in her, but Audrey did not reciprocate, leading to some unpleasantness between them.

Audrey tried to move away, but Liam kept getting close to her and even touched her.

Audrey couldn't tolerate it. She stood up and glared at him. "Stop touching me, will you?"

Maintaining a good reputation was crucial in business. Being publicly humiliated by Audrey put him in a bad mood. He sneered at Audrey. "What's the big deal? It's an honor to be touched by me. You're just a prostitute, after all. Why not just name your price?"

Audrey was furious, and Kim was also angry. He hadn't expected this situation. He was about to calm Audrey down, but she grabbed a glass of wine from the table and poured it onto Liam's face.

Everyone was shocked, including Liam, who wiped the wine off his face and glared at Audrey. "Fine, you dare to pour wine on me, huh? If you don't kneel down and lick the wine off my face, you won't leave this place today." Sensing trouble, Kim instinctively shielded Audrey. He wanted to apologize to Liam. However, Liam slapped him and bellowed, "Who do you think you are? How dare you ask me for mercy?"

Audrey, seeing Kim being hit, was trembling with anger. Kim stopped her and whispered, "Don't cause more trouble. You poured a drink on him, I got slapped. It evens out. Let's go. I shouldn't have brought you here in the first place.

After being persuaded, Audrey had no choice but to stay put. However, they soon realized Liam had no intention of letting them go.

Liam said coldly, "Trying to leave, huh? Did I agree to that?"

Immediately, several bodyguards rushed out and blocked the door.

Kim looked at the host of the banquet, who shrugged, indicating his powerlessness.

Kim had no choice but to quietly discuss with Audrey, "How about contacting Catherine? As long as Catherine or Branden help us, these people will have to let us go."

However, Audrey disagreed, as Catherine was pregnant and newly married. She didn't want to trouble Catherine.

Audrey looked calmly at Liam and asked, "What do you want me to do, Mr. Black?"

Liam snorted disdainfully. He had thought that Audrey was pretty and wanted to flirt with her. However, she didn't show her respect in public, which angered him.

"Listen," he said. "Lick my face clean, strip naked, and kneel. If you can do that, I'll let you off the hook today." He couldn't let her disrespect him in public and get away with it.

The demands were too harsh. Kim couldn't bear it anymore. He glared at Liam and warned, 'Mr. Black, we're in Casier. If you make a scene here, you'll be in big trouble. Audrey isn't someone you can insult."

Kim was warning Liam not to get too arrogant. However, it was clear that Liam didn't take it seriously.

Liam stood up and slammed a glass to the ground, saying. "You can't scare me. Now, kneel. If you don't obey, there's no way you'll leave here unscathed."

Audrey was racking her brain, unsure of whom to turn to for help. With no other choice, she decided to call Catherine. As she hesitated, the door to the private room suddenly swung open.

"Woah, whose party is this?" A sudden voice drew everyone's attention. Looking ahead, they saw a handsome, tall young man. Although he didn't know anyone there, his demeanor suggested he was no ordinary person.

Liam didn't recognize him, but the host immediately stood up respectfully. "Mr. Lambert, what brings you here?" Triston's eyes landed on Audrey. "Someone's arrogance," he said with a smile.

Chapter 1003 For a Woman

Liam noticed Triston's determined gaze towards Audrey. He introduced himself with a smile, "I'm Liam Black, new in Casier. If you don't mind, let's be friends. But this woman has offended me, so she must stay."

In Liam's view, he had shown Triston enough respect. But if Triston didn't reciprocate, it would be his problem. Confidently, Liam awaited Triston's response, believing he would handle the situation wisely.

Triston glanced at the host, Gabriel Williamson, and remarked in a cold tone, "Gabriel, you have invited a very interesting guest, haven't you?"

The chilling look made Gabriel shiver involuntarily. In Casier, everyone knew about the Lamberts and the Duncans. Though not as prominent as the Duncans, the Lamberts were not to be trifled with.

Triston seemed friendly and talkative on the surface, unlike Branden, who was cold and ruthless. However, Triston was a wolf in sheep's clothing. Crossing him was more disastrous than crossing Branden.

Triston's words sent a shiver down Gabriel's spine. "Mr. Lambert, it's a misunderstanding. Let's forget about this, shall we?"

Triston pulled out a chair and gestured for Audrey to sit. She didn't refuse, as Triston's arrival meant she no longer needed to disturb Catherine.

Gabriel, noticing Triston's attitude towards Audrey, regretted involving her in today's event. He hadn't anticipated her connection to Triston.

As Gabriel was about to speak, Triston said coldly, "Who the hell do you think you are, Gabriel? Why should I listen to you?"

This simple statement completely stripped Gabriel of his dignity, leaving Gabriel to retreat in embarrassment.

Liam's eyes darkened as he said in an icy voice, "I only respected you because Mr. Williamson is here. Since you're so arrogant, I guess I need to teach you a lesson." Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

Liam took out his phone to call for assistance. Triston, however, remained calm, casually asking Audrey if she'd like something to eat.

Audrey was momentarily perplexed by Triston's demeanor, unsure of what he was thinking.

After making several phone calls, Liam's face gradually paled. He stared at Triston in disbelief, asking. "What have you done?'

Triston smiled faintly, and a cold glint in his eyes pierced through Liam like a sharp blade. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. I own this hotel.

Finally understanding why his reinforcements couldn't enter this hotel, Liam glared at Triston and asked in a cold voice, "What do you want?"

Triston pointed to the glass shards on the ground and said, "Do what you just said."

Kim, standing nearby, almost burst out laughing.

Liam was about to continue his bravado when his phone suddenly rang. Answering the call, his expression paled as he looked at Triston. "What have you done to me?"

If Triston hadn't been worried about scaring Audrey, he would have dealt with Liam a long time ago. "Here's your chance. Do what you just said, or from today, you won't be leaving Casier," he said firmly, confident that he could follow through on his words.

Liam hesitated for a moment, but his attitude had softened considerably, even to the point of pleading. "Mr. Lambert, I'm willing to give up a project. We don't need to go to such lengths for a woman, right?"

*For a woman?" Triston scoffed, picked up the plates on the table and smashed them on the floor, causing it to be littered with shards.

'Liam, the woman you're talking about holds a special place in my heart. But you insulted her. I'm not gonna let you get away with it."

Liam had thought Triston was just infatuated with Audrey, thinking she was just a plaything and that he could keep her around with some money. He hadn't expected her to be Triston's woman. This was going to be a real problem.

Liam had just received news that the Lamberts had already taken action against his company, and if he couldn't resolve this matter tonight, he might face bankruptcy. After over a decade of hard work, he couldn't let it all go to ruin.

Reluctantly, Liam followed Tristan's instructions and knelt in front of Audrey. His legs landed on the glass shards, and blood instantly seeped out, staining the floor.

Triston was about to make him crawl over when Audrey suddenly spoke up. "That's enough!"

Triston glanced at her, and Audrey grabbed her bag and left, ignoring Triston.

"Wait for me. I'll take you back!" Triston called out.

As Triston and Audrey departed, the onlookers assumed the matter had concluded. However, a group of menacing figures dressed in black stormed in, which frightened Gabriel and the other guests, who instinctively huddled and protected their heads.

The black-clad group of men smashed the things in the room with sticks but didn't harm anyone. Before leaving. they warned Liam, "Our boss said we'll let you off today. Starting tomorrow, if we catch sight of you in Casier, we'll beat the crap out of you." After delivering the warning, they swaggered out.

Once they were gone, Gabriel got up from the ground. Liam glared at him, huffing, "Are you not going to do something?"

Someone whispered, "Mr. Black, what else can I do? I had someone check Miss Swann's background. She's not someone to be trifled with."

The person then revealed Audrey's background. Liam's face turned ashen once more. He realized that he had offended someone he shouldn't have.

Chapter 1004 Be Yourself

Triston followed Audrey all the way, just a few steps behind her.

After a while, Audrey couldn't help but turn around to look at him in confusion. "Why do you follow me?" she asked coldly.

He ignored her indifference, smiling gently. "It's late. I can't risk letting a girl as pretty as you go home alone, can I?

Audrey was amused by him.

Triston was relieved to see her smile finally. He took off his coat and handed it to Audrey. "Put it on. It's windy now. You wouldn't want to catch a cold, sweetie." His voice was low and filled with endless tenderness.

The wind was chilly at night. Audrey took his coat and put it on. It was still warm with a good smell. She looked back at him, handsome, glowing under the moonlight.

"Let's take a walk," she said.

Triston immediately said yes to her invitation.

They walked along the river in front of the hotel. Looking at the neon lights shining in this magnificent city, Audry felt lost. She halted suddenly and turned to Triston, her eyes not focusing, looking confused. "Am I just useless?"

Her question made Triston's heart sink. He didn't want to see her like this. "Your fans will be heartbroken if they hear what you say, silly girl. You are the superstar. You are anything but useless."

Audrey had established herself as a competent and popular superstar in the entertainment industry. But a celebrity was nothing compared with capitals. Otherwise, Liam wouldn't treat her like a whore tonight.

Born and raised in the Swanns, she had much more than Catherine. But she couldn't compare with Catherine at all. Sometimes, she even felt guilty for sharing the same genes with her, wondering if she didn't work hard enough or if she was born ordinary.

She became tired from walking and sat by the river, regardless of her expensive gown.

Triston sat next to her, staring at the peaceful river. 'Everyone was destined for something when born. Some people are destined to be mediocre, while others achieve great success with great ambitions. What's the fun of a world filled with brilliant people? You don't have to compete with anyone. Being yourself is the biggest success." Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

He seemed to be talking to himself. Or maybe he was talking to Audrey. His voice was faint and dismal, not quite like his pleasant self.

'Don't compete with others. Be yourself, Audrey thought about it repeatedly inside. Maybe she had too much on her mind.

Seeing her sigh, Triston reached out and stroked her head. "Don't compare yourself with Catherine. She's a monster."

Audrey didn't like the word he used on Catherine and glared at him.

Triston raised his hands to surrender. "Hey, don't get me wrong. I couldn't find a better word. She's extraordinary. She is here to promote the progress of humanity. She is not one of us."

Well, not just Audrey. He doubted if there was any woman better than Catherine in the world.

He continued, "You are already on top of the pyramid. Don't underestimate yourself."

Audrey was still low but felt better after talking to Tristan. She was not quite used to him being so severe. She turned to look at his handsome face, saying, 'Thanks. For talking to me and showing up in time tonight."

If it were not for Triston, she would have no choice but to call Branden.

Triston didn't reply to her thanks. He reminded her of the time. "You should get back to your apartment, sweetheart. You have work tomorrow, and staying up late makes you swell."

Audrey frowned at him in confusion. "How do you know that?"

Triston was stunned by her question and then smiled. "Kim told me before I chased after you. He's back already. I'll send you home."

Typical Kim,' thought Audrey.

The chilly wind kept blowing. Audrey felt drowsy and yawned.

Triston knew they had to go back. "Let's head back."

Triston parked the car under Audrey's apartment building. Audrey opened the car door and got out of the car before Triston opened the door for her. "I'll go up by myself. See you," said Audrey.

Triston's eyes darkened. He didn't say anything, just nodded.

Audrey went up alone. After returning home, she went to the window and looked out. His car was there. He leaned against it, looking at her house. She carefully hid herself in the shadow and turned on the lights. He left after seeing the lights on.

After he was gone, Audrey fell to the floor against the wall weakly. There was a huge gap between them, and she couldn't pretend not to feel it. Yes, they were close, and she knew Triston still loved her. But they were not getting back. Right people, but wrong time.

Audrey exhaled slowly. Her phone rang when she was about to wash up. She looked at the number and picked it up.

"Hi, there, mother-to-be! Why are you calling so late? It's not good for the baby," said Audrey.

"Something happened tonight?" asked Catherine coldly.

Audrey was shocked. "How do you know?"

Catherine rolled her eyes. It was hard not to know it because Triston made a fuss and borrowed people from Branden.

Chapter 1005 A Joke

Audrey felt nervous when asked by Catherine, even on the phone. "Just an accident. It's settled. Don't worry."

Of course, Catherine knew it was settled. Or else she would be there to fix it instead of talking to Audrey on the phone. But she was more curious about Audrey and Triston. They had been off and on repeatedly. "What about you and Triston?"

Audrey didn't know how to answer that. She coughed awkwardly. "There's nothing between us. He happened to be there and helped me."

Catherine could feel Audrey had no intention of talking about this. She didn't push her. She was never a nosy girl and only made this call because she cared about Audrey.

"Fine. I'll rest, then. Feel free to call me whenever you need any help." said Catherine.

Audrey let out a sigh of relief after Catherine hung up. She was worried Catherine might keep asking. Then she wouldn't know what to say.

Looking at the pale moonlight outside the window, she was lost in her thoughts. She forced herself to calm down and let go of whatever was on her mind. The only thing she needed to know was she and Triston were never getting back.

A burst of rapid knocks on the door woke up Audrey. She got out of bed and opened the door with hazy eyes and a vague head.

Kim stood there and glared at Audrey. "Girl, I've been knocked for ten minutes!"

Audrey asked muzzily, 'Really? Why didn't you call?"

Kim went ballistic. "I did!" He would literally strangle her if she didn't have work today.

He looked away and waved at her. "Now, hurry up! Wash up and get dressed."

Audrey went back to her room and instantly knew why Kim was so pissed off after she checked her phone and saw a dozen of missed calls from Kim.

Audrey took ten minutes to get ready before she came to Kim. "Let's move."

Kim's anger was relieved since she was so quick.

Audrey had to attend a commercial event today where she would be provided clothing and jewelry by the brand.

The arrival of the jewelry from the brand surprised everyone here. Audrey had advertised for jewelry before. The jewelry was usually accompanied by the manager and a few bodyguards, but this time, there were too many bodyguards. All of them in black suits looked fresh and expensive.

Audrey looked at the gorgeous diamond when the manager opened the box and swallowed. The number of bodyguards seemed to be reasonable. It was beautiful and must be extremely expensive.

The manager looked at Audrey and politely asked, "Shall I put it on you, Miss Swann?'

Audrey nodded and sat on the chair.

A dazzling diamond necklace and an eye-catching pair of diamond earrings. Anyone would be eclipsed with them on, but not Audrey. She was beautiful and noble. The jewelry was like adding flowers to the brocade. It made perfection even more perfect.

The activity went very well. The brand was super happy with Audrey. It was weird because she had never dealt with such an undemanding brand before in her years in the industry. Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

She whispered to Kim when they were alone in the restroom. "Hey, Kim, do you find the brand too nice?"

It turned out Kim also found them over-cooperative.

The assistant packing up heard what they said and smiled. "Isn't it a good thing? I think it means you are a superstar now."

Audrey was increasingly valued as a rising star in the industry. But not like this. They rested for a while, and then someone knocked on the door.

The manager was here with a bunch of bodyguards. The assistant hurriedly invited them in. Audrey figured they were here to retrieve the jewelry. She removed them and put them back in the box they came with. As the poster woman, she wouldn't take the jewelry since she had been paid. Let alone this set of jewelry was priceless. It happened before. Some actress refused to return the jewelry. But Audrey was too proud to do so.

The manager didn't take the box. Audrey was stunned, but then she thought of something. "Yeah, right. You guys may want to check on it first."

They usually checked the jewelry carefully before they took it back.

The manager smiled at Audrey. "Oh, no, Miss Swann, that's not it. My boss is delighted with you. He thinks you will be a big upgrade to our company. The jewelry will be a gift for you from my boss. We hope you can take it."

Audrey was dumbfounded. She knew some brands would send products to their poster men or women, but not the priceless ones!

Kim also found it strange. He wanted to ask, but the manager left directly.

Audrey held the box, looking at Kim, confused. 'Is this a joke or something?"

It couldn't be a joke. Kim was worried that they might want Audrey to trade her body. "Don't worry. I need you to keep it well and wait till I find out who is behind this company."

Audrey couldn't think of anyone and did as she was told.

Chapter 1006 Misunderstanding

But nothing happened in the next few days. The brand didn't even ask Audrey to dinner. Kim got some pros to look into it, but they found nothing.

"Isn't it weird, Audrey, how some rich folks just give away millions of dollars worth of jewelry?" asked Kim. How it felt like being that rich was beyond his imagination, though.

Audrey looked at Kim helplessly. "Well, I don't know."

Kim thought for a while and asked, "Could it be Triston? People capable of this can be counted with one hand in Casier."

Audrey paused. For a moment, she almost thought it was Triston, too. But it was so not him, given he always kept a high profile.

Although she had to admit he had changed a lot recently. So, it could be him.

Kim poked her after moments of silence. 'No way! Is it really him?"

Audrey shook her head. "I have no clues. But I'll take care of this." Her head ached at the thought of this.

Seeing her frowning pensively, Kim left her alone.

All she could think about was the free jewelry, which she couldn't allow herself to take without knowing the truth. She had to find out why.

"Kim, I'm heading out." She put on her hat and a mask and left.

Triston was surprised to get a call from Audrey. He went to the coffee shop Audrey said in a mall downtown. It took him a while to locate this place.

He walked directly to the booth and knocked, ignoring all the attention on him.

Audrey put on the mask and said, "Come in." She only took off the mask after he closed the door.

Triston couldn't help but tease her. "It must feel awful to go out as a superstar, wrapping up like a mummy." Audrey just glared at him.

Triton tried to find something to say. "I was surprised you should ask me out."

Audrey looked at him and asked, "Have you heard of a jewelry brand called Iris?"

Triston thought for a moment and winced. "No. Why? Are you working with them?"

Audrey could tell he was not lying from his reaction. Then, he had nothing to do with the jewelry cause he didn't even know about it. Who else could it be? Audrey was out of guesses. Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

Triston noticed her unusual expression and asked, "Anything wrong? Do you need my help?"

Audrey shook her head. "Nothing. I'm advertising for this brand. Thought you might know its background."

"So you just want a coffee with me today?" Triston pointed at the hot Americano Audrey ordered for him before he got there. Triston liked cooled-off hot Americano and felt happy because Audrey still remembered that.

Since Triston had nothing to do with the jewelry, Audrey didn't want him to know about it. "Oh, yeah. I haven't had time to thank you for helping me out last time till today."

Triston was stunned, his eyes dimming instantly.

Audrey quickly noticed it and tried to say something to save the vibe.

But Tristan soon lifted his head and smiled at Audrey, looking perfectly normal. "Come on, babe, I saved your ass. A coffee is not enough. The dinner's on you."

Audrey snorted, feeling relieved. It felt less embarrassing now. "Fine, you smartass. You'll pick the restaurant."

They stayed at the coffee shop and talked until dinner time. Audrey put on her mask again, left the booth, and walked alongside Triston. Triston and a mysterious girl caught everyone's attention at the coffee shop. Someone secretly took a picture of them without Tristan noticing.

They drove to the restaurant they used to go to. It was members-only and had private booths.

Audrey took off her hat and mask, feeling great to breathe freely. "This is the best place. I don't have to eat with everyone's eyes on me."

A woman came for a chat with Triston after they ordered their food. "Mr. Lambert, Hi! I haven't seen you in a long time. What have you been up to?"

Triston noticed Audrey's darkened face and ended the conversation hastily. Another woman came right after the first one was gone. Triston felt highly awkward, considering his previous reputation.

He absent-mindedly responded to that woman and secretly glanced at Audrey, only to find her eating calmly. She didn't seem bothered at all, which upset him a little.

The delicious food became tasteless in Audrey's mouth. She couldn't bear to watch anymore and stood up when the third woman came. "I think I'm done eating. I should better be going." And she left,

Triston chased after her immediately, leaving behind whoever he was talking to. He was fast and stopped her before she was gone, grabbing her wrist. "At least let me send you home, Audrey."

"No need of that. You really should get back to your lady friends in there." She looked at him coldly, her voice so frosty and firm, as if she had made up her mind.

Triston didn't want to make her angrier, so he let go of her. "Fine. You probably don't want to see me now. But let my driver send you home, please?"

God bless the two stubborn fools in love!

Audrey had no choice but to nod.

After she left, Triston kicked the tree aside painfully, leaves falling like rain.

Chapter 1007 Mysterious Gift

Audrey couldn't stop herself from thinking about Triston after she returned home. She clearly didn't love him anymore, but why did she care who flirted with him? She thought about it carefully and laughed at her foolishness.

'Ding-dong,' went the doorbell.

Audrey frowned and thought, 'Is it Triston?'

She walked to the door unpleasantly and looked into the surveillance, ready to tell Triston to go away, only to find the security standing outside.

"What's the matter?" asked Audrey, confused.

The security was polite. "Miss Swann, there is a package for you. We have checked. It's safe. Do you want to sign for it?

The apartment manager and the security crew knew Audrey lived in this building. She never had packages delivered to her home as a precaution against overzealous fans.

She was unsure what the package contained, but as security had cleemed it safe, she decided to sign for it. "Wait a second," said Audrey.

She opened the door and took the package in. The label on it showed it was sent by the seller directly.

She opened it with a knife, and there it was: a box of her favorite snacks. Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

In show business, actresses had to have that perfect, skinny look on the screen. They would pretty much try anything to keep their bodies slender. Snacks were a luxury for them. Audrey would eat snacks only when she felt depressed.

Who knew her so well and bought her every kind of her favorite snack? She couldn't figure it out. But it reminded her of the jewelry.

The only thing she could be sure of was that Tristan had nothing to do with it. Then who could it be? She had no idea.

*****

Triston felt low after Audrey left. He had cut off contact with every woman he knew, but Audrey had no trust in him. He didn't know how to explain. There was nothing to explain, to begin with.

"Mr. Lambert, Miss Swann has returned home. I left after I saw her lights on,' said the driver who sent Audrey home.

Triston nodded, frustrated. He thought for a while and called his assistant. "Look into this jewelry brand called Iris. See if they are working with Audrey recently."

"Yes, Mr. Lambert. I'm on it," answered his assistant.

Triston was lost in thoughts after he hung up. Audrey had been avoiding him for some time. It was strange that she asked him out today and mentioned this brand. He could only hope to find some clues on this jewelry company.

Soon, the assistant called back. "Mr. Lambert, I have the information you requested."

Chapter 1008 A Picture

The assistant reported to Triston about Iris. "Mr. Lambert, there is something unusual going on. Iris is paying Miss Swann more money for advertising than they pay an international star."

That was strange because popular as Audrey was as an actress, she was no match for an international star. So, it meant Iris was overpaying Audrey for no reason.

The assistant sent the picture of the jewelry to Triston. "This is what they gave to Miss Swann. I heard her manager is looking into this. They seem to have concerns about it, too."

Bom in a wealthy family, Triston knew its value at the first sight of the picture. They gave her the jewelry set for free, which was worth more than her endorsement fee. They had to be after something.

Triston inhaled a deep breath of the cigarette between his fingers and asked, "Have you found out who the boss is?" His voice was low and distant.

"Not yet,' answered the assistant guiltily. He had put quite a few men on this, but whatever or whoever behind Iris seemed to be buried very deep. At last, he only learned that the boss was a big shot from abroad.

Triston had thought of this, but he wouldn't give up easily. "Ask Paxton for help. He'll know what to do."

The Duncans had the world's best intelligence network. Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

"Yes, Mr. Lambert."

*******

Kim's call again woke up Audrey. She finally picked it up. "Yes, Kim?"

Kim's voice came eagerly from the phone. "Did you go out with Triston yesterday?"

Audrey was stunned and came to her senses slowly. "Are you kidding? Did you have someone follow me? I did go out with Triston for dinner."

It was not the first time she went out with Triston. Audrey didn't think it was a big deal. She thought maybe her assistant had told Kim about this.

But Kim's cursing came to her ears the next second. "Stupid girl! I wish I had someone follow you yesterday. I really do. I made a big mistake to trust you on your own. Do you know someone took a picture of you with Triston and posted it online?"

Audrey was dumbfounded. It took her a while to chew over what Kim had told her. "No way! Holy crap, Kim! I have no idea of that. How's it going on the internet?"

Kim wished to lose his temper on her for her carelessness but now was not the time. He had to discuss the emergency with the public relations crew.

"Check it on Twitter and then contact me. I'll go make up some excuses for this with the crew now," said Kim helplessly. "Do not comment before I tell you to!" he added.

"Okay," answered Audrey. She logged in on Twitter and saw it in the hot trends immediately. She clicked on the tag and prayed not to see something nasty.

Chapter 1009 An Emergency

A few pictures were taken from behind and aside, but no front views. Someone took them and posted them on her account. She only took them because she thought Triston was handsome and notified several famous talent scouts.

Those scouts had been in this industry for years and recognized Triston instantly. And the public comments went wild. Triston dating a new girlfriend became a heated topic.

Triston was one the most discussed men in Casier as the heir of the Lamberts. In the picture, Audrey was covered by a hat and a mask, so her identity remained unknown. But many people still recognized her clothes and accessories and suspected that it was her in the picture.

So far, no one in the industry had confirmed this conjecture. But Audrey knew it was a trick. They had to spend some hush money.

After she read the tweets, Kim called. 'Have you seen the pictures?"

Audrey snorted. "Well, yeah. But it only says that Triston and I know each other. Big deal."

The picture was taken from behind, and they didn't even hold hands.

Audrey's optimism almost made Kim laugh. "Don't forget that you just signed an endorsement contract with Iris. There can't be any scandals exposed within three years, or else it's considered a breach of contract. The liquidated damages are ten times the endorsement fee, which is unbelievably high."

Before they signed the contract, Kim asked for her opinion on this clause, and she agreed to it without hesitation because she knew she would not be in a relationship in the next few years. Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

Audrey couldn't help but frown when she heard this. "What does the media want?"

The mention of this gave Kim a headache. He then gave her a number. "Three million dollars."

Audrey was dumbfounded. "Who do they think I am? Some billionaire?"

"Well, you are a popular actress now." Kim smiled bitterly.

While Audrey was worried, Triston called. She told Kim about his call and answered the phone.

Triston's teasing voice came from the other end. "I heard that the two of us are the hot trend on Twitter as a couple. That's rare."

When he was dating Audrey, he had put a lot of effort into hiding their relationship for her career. He didn't expect they would be discussed as a couple on Twitter after they broke up.

Audrey was so mad at him. "Shut up. How come you didn't even notice that someone was taking pictures? It's not like you.'

Knowing that Audrey was angry, Triston hurriedly comforted her. "Don't be mad, sweetie. It's not a big deal. I got this, trust me."

Audrey still wanted to say something. She was afraid that Triston would make it worse, but he hung up quickly. Now, she could only count on him to take care of this. Or she would have to let Kim bargain with the media.

Chapter 1010 The Biggest Winner

Audrey waited for a while and didn't hear from Triston.

Worried that nothing good would come of it, she contacted Kim. She was about to ask him to bargain with the media and bury the news. Then she heard Kim's cheerful voice from the other end, sounding like he was in a good mood.

Audrey was curious, and then she heard him say, "Aud, I did not expect Triston to be so reliable. We are lucky to have him today. Or else you will have to pay that three billion dollars.

Audrey was still confused and did not even understand what was going on. "Kim, what are you talking about? Did Triston do something?"

Only then did Kim realize that Audrey didn't know anything about it. He thought it was Audrey who had asked Triston to do it. "Sweetie, go check it online.

Then he hung up. He knew she would find out by herself. There was not much for him to say.

Audrey logged on to Twitter and saw the new trend immediately. Triston was still the key figure. She clicked into the entry and saw Triston's latest post, reading. [Tried to use my connections to get a discount from Miss Swann. I guess that was in the drain now. Who was to blame?]

And he notified her, which meant he confirmed it was Audrey in the picture. And he attached another photo of the four of them.

All of Audrey's fans knew her relationship with Catherine. And the relationship between the Lamberts and the Duncans was not a secret in Casier. The photo explained everything. Content belong to NôvelDráma. Org.

One commented, saying, [I was expecting to hear something juicy. It turned out to be fake. Shame on the media.]

Another one commented, reading, [His life will be so difficult in Casier if he messes around with Audrey.] And Triston liked this comment.

Everyone knew how Triston was. People used to joke that even a canned pineapple could outlive his girlfriend. He had tons of girlfriends and exes, but Audrey, as Branden's sister-in-law, couldn't be one of them. His post and the comment he liked proved that he and Audrey barely knew each other. Now, netizens were convinced he was seeking cooperation with Audrey and that nothing was going on between them. It was hard to argue because they were not doing anything intimate in the picture.

Not long after Triston posted, the table was turned, and the media apologized to Audrey. People were saying that they messed with the wrong people.

Audrey became the biggest winner for being the center of the topic the whole day without spending a dime.

Triston's post had caused more discussion about Audrey. People had been calling Kim like crazy for her endorsement.